Brandon Twp.- She didn’t win a million dollars from Publisher’s Clearinghouse, but Debbie Brauher felt like she had when representatives from Oakland Schools and district officials entered her fourth grade classroom at Oakwood Elementary on Tuesday and proclaimed her the 2010 Oakland County Outstanding Elementary School Teacher of the Year.
‘In all of Oakland County?? asked Brauher, looking stunned and a little bewildered. ‘Thanks!?
As applause broke out and her students cheered and hugged her, Brauher seemed at a loss for words.
‘I feel like I’m on one of those sweepstakes shows. This is so unreal to me.?
Brauher is the first teacher from Brandon to ever win the award at the county level, said Oakwood Principal Kristy Spann.
Oakland Schools has presented the award annually since 1987 to county teachers at the elementary, middle school and high school levels to honor those who have achieved, through their effort and example, the highest standards of excellence in their profession.
Brauher was one of 21 teachers considered in the elementary category this year. In nominating the 18-year Brandon teacher, Spann submitted several examples of how Brauher engages students, meets their individual needs, manages her classroom, relates to parents and colleagues and demonstrates citizenship and leadership in the community as well as a thorough knowledge of her subject area. A parent, a colleague, and student Audrey Lamiman, 9, also submitted supporting statements.
Audrey told the judges how she likes doing experiments and stretching and exercises in class, as well as listening to music. She noted that students are given second chances and yelling is something her teacher never does.
‘I think that’s pretty cool,? wrote Audrey in her statement. ‘Finally, she is an overall unique teacher because everyone in our class remembers everything she has taught us. She understands our class… She talks to each one of us individually every day. She checks in on us and gets to know us. Because she does this we all feel special and confident… Mrs. Brauher makes us all better people.?
On Tuesday, another of Brauher’s students, Keith Schmaltz, was eager to share why he thought his teacher was the best.
‘Mrs. Brauher is nice and kind,? he said. ‘What I really like is if we have a problem in school, she will keep it a secret and help us. I had a problem with math boxes and she pulled me off to the side to talk to me.?
Spann said that specialized attention to her students is what makes Brauher outstanding.
‘Debbie is so focused on her students and doing what is in their best interest so that when they walk away from this building, they are good citizens, will think through a situation and try their best,? Spann said.
‘She works not only to improve herself, but works with her colleagues to help them to see the root of some of their struggles… She never stops growing. She’s always improving and it really sets her apart.?
Brauher said teaching has always been a grassroots thing for her and she is happy to still be able to teach children after all these years.
‘I feel very touched there are people out there that wanted me to have this award, it makes me want to work that much harder,? she said, then, as a student suddenly wraps her arms around Brauher for a hug, she adds, smiling, ‘And I love this.?